While booking train ticket in India, we may often come across the term Waiting List (WL). It is one of the most common ticket statuses, especially during peak travel seasons when seats are in high demand. Understand what WL means can help you avoid confusion and plan your journey in a better way.
This guide will explain everything about waiting list tickets, how they work, their types and whether you can travel with them.
What Does Waiting List (WL) Mean?
Waiting List (WL) means that all available seats on a train are already booked, and your ticket is not yet confirmed.
When you book a ticket and it shows WL status:
- You do not have a confirmed seat or berth.
- You are placed in a queue, your ticket will be confirmed only if other passenger cancel their tickets.
For example: WL 10 means you are the 10th person in line waiting for a confirmed ticket.
How Waiting List Works
The waiting list system is simple, if all seats in the train get booked additional booking are put in a waiting queue. As confirmed ticket passenger cancel their ticket waiting list number moves up and ticket may get confirmed.
Waiting List Confirmation Process
- WL tickets move to RAC(Reservation Against Cancellation) first.
- Then from RAC to confirmed, the process depends on availability and cancellations.
Types of Waiting List in Indian Railways
Not all WL tickets are the same. There are different types that depends on quota and route.
- GNWL (General Waiting List): It is the most common type of waiting list issued for passengers traveling from the origin station or nearby stations. These has the highest chances of confirmation.
- RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List): It is for Intermediate or remote stations, these list has lowest propriety than GNWL and has lower confirmation chances.
- PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List): For passengers traveling between intermediate stations, in this seat comes from shared quota, it has moderate to low confirmation chances.
- TQWL (Tatkal Waiting List): It issued under tatkal booking, has very low chances of confirmation.
- CKWL (Current Booking Waiting List): Generated when booking tickets after chart preparation, confirmation of tickets depends on last-minute availability.
Can You Travel with a Waiting List Ticket ?
- E-ticket (online Booking): If your WL ticket is not confirmed, it is automatically cancelled and you cannot travel, refund of the ticket will be process automatically.
- Counter ticket (offline Booking): You can board the train but you will not have a reserved seat so you may be fined if found traveling in reserved coaches without confirmation ticket.
What Happens After Chart Preparation?
Before the train departs from the station, final reservation chart is prepared. WL (Waiting List) ticket may get confirmed, move to RAC or remain unconfirmed. If Waiting List ticket still showing waiting after chart preparation then E-ticket will be cancelled automatically, Counter ticket remains WL (no seat guaranteed). While canceling E-ticket a refund will be transferred within 24-48 hrs.
Chances of WL Ticket Confirmation
The chances are higher when WL number is low (e.g. WL 1-10), when booking is under GNWL, person travelling on weekdays. Train has many cancellation ticket confirmation is lower when WL number is high (e.g. WL 30+), travel is during festival or holidays or booking is under tatkal quota.
WL vs RAC vs Confirmed Ticket
| Feature | WL Ticket | RAC Ticket | Confirmed Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Allowed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Availability | None | Shared Seat | Full Berth |
| Upgrade Possibility | Yes | Yes | Not Needed |
| Risk | High | Medium | None |
Tips for waiting list passengers
- Check PNR Status Regularly: check your PNR status regularly simply by going to IRCTC official website.
- Book Early:Earlier bookings help in getting confirmed ticket.
- Choose GNWL Routes: They have better confirmation rates.
- Try alternatives: Book in another class, check nearby dates, consider alternate trains.
- Use tatkal carefully: tatkal ticket has very low confirmation chances.